Sasha – Connected Medication Management Device by Hark Medical

Medication non-adherence is a significant problem around the world. According to WHO, it affects approximately 50% of people and leads to poorer health outcomes, more hospital visits, and major costs to the healthcare system. Existing medication management solutions often fall short – they're complex, prone to errors, and lack visibility, creating stress, compliance risks, and limiting people’s independence. Hark Medical’s founder experienced this while managing his child’s epilepsy medications, inspiring the idea for Sasha. The goal was clear: design a simple, connected solution that makes it easy to stay on track, maintain independence, and reduce risk.

Sasha was designed to make medication safer and easier to manage. While initially intended for use at home, the concept quickly proved beneficial to different care settings. One early roadblock was inconsistent sachet detection in a prototype with tray-based ejection, prompting a full mechanical redesign that included an automatic release mechanism. Usability testing in aged care revealed the need for PRN support and alternatives to fingerprint authentication, leading to configurable lockouts and RFID access. The final design brings together comprehensive features in one simple, connected device that supports adherence, safety, and independence across care environments.

Sasha is helping tackle some of the biggest challenges in healthcare – from medication safety and staffing pressures to delivering person-centred care. Sasha improves adherence, reduces errors, and gives people the chance to stay independent for longer, easing the burden on families and care teams. For providers, Sasha supports better compliance, more efficient workflows, and stronger outcomes, helping them stand out in a competitive space. By reducing waste and preventing avoidable hospitalisations, it also promotes a more sustainable care model. It’s a clear example of how smart, human-centred design can drive impact across the board.

Biometric Security: Authorised users unlock Sasha with a fingerprint scan. RFID cards are available as an alternative for users with compromised fingerprints. Customisable Alerts: Visual, audio, and multilingual voice prompts notify users when a dose is due. Optional SMS alerts keep families and care teams informed. Cartridge Functionality: Pharmacist-packed multi-dose sachet rolls load quickly via a magnetised cartridge system, reducing handling and errors. Real-Time Dose Tracking: Every dose event is logged in the Hark Medical app and dashboard, recording who accessed medication, when, and how often. PRN Medication Management: Sasha tracks requests and alerts the care team when a medication review may be needed. Lockout settings prevent unsafe overuse. Pre- and Post-Administration Approvals: Enables approval of early or delayed doses via the app, supporting flexibility in daily routines. MMS Integration: Seamless integration with any MMS via secure API for medication scheduling, data continuity and governance reporting. Data Insights: Real-time data and trends give providers greater visibility, accountability, and operational insight. Multiple User Access: Supports both self-administered and nurse-administered models, logging the administering party for each dose.